A DAY care centre with a difference could soon be opening near Winchester.

But instead of babies, its main clientele will be dogs.

Similar to a crèche, people will be able to drop off their dogs for the day, and the centre would cater for up to 40 animals from Monday to Friday, 8am until 6pm.

The proposed plans, for Unit 5 of Four Dales Farm in Otterbourne, would also see puppy classes some evenings.

The planning statement reads: “The centre will help the community in many ways. It will work in a similar fashion to a crèche allowing dog owners to work full time hours whilst providing adequate care for their dogs. This will also assist with noise nuisance from dogs left at home throughout the day. As there will always be staff at the centre the dogs will always be supervised and will be mentally and physically stimulated through structured play, exercise and rest.”

The unit is currently used for storage, and Winchester City Council has received the planning application to see its change of use with the consultation due to close on June 5.